ICC T20 World Cup 2022 | New Zealand v Pakistan | Semi-final 1 - SCG | 9 Nov | Pre-match Discussion

[Sarwar89]

Sydney pitch & wicket + conditions will suit Babar & Rizwan.

They will not change openers, so best let’s hope both of them provide good powerplay.

As per my memory chasing becomes harder at SCG.

Even if you look 1992 semi final, 2015 semi final

Or recent pak v RSA game, team batting first has won.

Sydney provides UK type atmosphere to Pakistan as lot more Pakistanis live in Sydney than melbourne perth or adelaide and brisbane

 

[the Great Khan]

This isn't a terrible side. I'm sick of fickle fans saying this over and over..its well balanced.they have some good left right combos. Decent strategy compared to past teams.

They were unlucky against India. We were the better side in that match. Dumb against Zim.

Also it's taken shaheen a few matches to get his buzz back.

One thing people forget is that in t20 you need one or two batsmen to fire. The rest can play around. And we have a good enough team for that.

Finally we can't drop Shan. He is a sensible smart operator. Haider is brainless. Haris is better.

 

[OmaIR1]

I can't watch Rizwan and Babar walk out at the top of the order any longer, I'm glad this games starts at 3am EST on Wednesday. I think if they dont fix the opening or at least the manner in which they are batting at the top then it will be curtains for Pakistan. I think everyone is shouting for Haris to open, including ex-cricketers, analysts, fans, etc. but all falling on deaf ears as Babar is being selfish. Babar is using this T20 series to practice for the upcoming tests against England instead, mindless cricket.

 

[Sarwar89]

Can anyone tell weather forecast for
Pak v nzl semi final

Proper weather forecast.

 

[moghul]

Shan is one heck of an opportunist

He knew Pakistan were getting those runs whether he failed or contributed, so he made sure that he cashes in on a spot in the playing XI for the semi final by scoring something

Realistically, he needs to be dropped in place of Haider who deserve another chance to take down Sodhi or whatever Kiwi spinner they serve up

Haider , seriously ? I was not expecting this from you .

 

[SpiritOf1903]

The other established teams would be guaranteed to win. Pakistan are due a thrashing

Can anyone tell weather forecast for
Pak v nzl semi final

Proper weather forecast.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2078025

There's a reserve day

 

[asadee]

Toss will be the biggest factor team batting 1st will have massive advantage

 

[ads101]

I’d just play the same team. Maybe Nawaz back down the order.

Before this match I would have tried Masood opening. But Masood and haris have both scored middle order. I do not see a point of moving them around. Opening in general seems to have faired worse than middle order this World Cup. There’s no guarantee babar will perform mid order now. Nor for example Shan or haris as opener. We wasted our time to experiment which should have been Bangladesh match.

That middle order is clicking right now with iftikhar, haris, Masood. I’d leave it be.

 

[CricFan2012]

What's the point of nawaz in this team? he has mediocre batting, ifti can bowl off spin instead as well, bring in an extra batter

 

[Sarwar89]

Toss will be the biggest factor team batting 1st will have massive advantage

True, ironically toss was the biggest factor in last year’s T20 world cup semi final as well which did not go babar’s way.

We saw yesterday how difficult it was for England to get over the line v Sri lankans in Sydney.

Ish Sodhi & Santner love squeeze job on such surfaces.

 

[Civil]

I just hope we don't give the match away from a winning position. Be mentally strong! Last year SF vs Aus, Asia Cup final and India match in this tourney come to mind.

 

[Shaddy86]

What's the overall Pakistan Vs New Zealand semi final record? New Zealand is the perfect team for Pakistan to have in Semis. Can't wait for this game!

 

[Rana]

Haider , seriously ? I was not expecting this from you .

Your not getting my point

Haider will back himself to perform against them like he did in the tri series final. He is a wild card you can take a punt on, at least over Shan

 

[Heisenberg111]

What's the overall Pakistan Vs New Zealand semi final record? New Zealand is the perfect team for Pakistan to have in Semis. Can't wait for this game!

Pakistan and New Zealand have met in the semi finals of the ICC tournaments 4 times, with Pakistan winning 3 times (1992,1999 and 2007) and New Zealand winning once ( 2009 CT).

 

[OmaIR1]

Your not getting my point

Haider will back himself to perform against them like he did in the tri series final. He is a wild card you can take a punt on, at least over Shan

Haider over Shan after Shan just played a good knock vs Bangladesh and got us over the line?

 

[heddie19]

If India beats England and Pak beats New Zealand, then I have a feeling that we will definitely beat Pakistan.

If you beat England in Knockouts, you should win the tournament in my opinion.

In 2007 WT20, India beat Australia and Pakistan beat NZ so India should have won the tournament and they deservingly won the finals.

What stupid logic is this?

 

[Sarwar89]

Pakistan and New Zealand have met in the semi finals of the ICC tournaments 4 times, with Pakistan winning 3 times (1992,1999 and 2007) and New Zealand winning once ( 2009 CT).

Incorrect

Kiwiz beat pakistan in 2000 icc champions trophy semi final as well in nail biter. + 2009

Pakistan beat new zealand in 1994 & 1986 australasia cup semi finals

1992 & 1999 odi world cups + 2007 world cup semi final T20 & virtual quarter final 2009 t20 world cup

 

[PakLFC]

For heaven sake don't make Babar and Rizwan open. Haris has been a much needed batsmen we have been crying out for since the tournament began who could be the difference maker for us. I would rather have NZ in the semi's then England who we can defeat in a one off final if we get there. ))) at those Indian's on sicial media who were making jokes on us over an early exit. I am sure they feel so stupid and embarrassed now over speaking too early coz you never discount the Pak. Much like the 1992 WC we have qualified through the back door taking on the same semi finalists and possibly finalists too. Get in there lads!

 

[Heisenberg111]

Incorrect

Kiwiz beat pakistan in 2000 icc champions trophy semi final as well in nail biter. + 2009

Pakistan beat new zealand in 1994 & 1986 australasia cup semi finals

1992 & 1999 odi world cups + 2007 world cup semi final T20 & virtual quarter final 2009 t20 world cup

You are right, I forgot about ICC knockout in 2000. I know about Australasia cups, but they weren't ICC tournaments.

Cheers.

 

[hitthestump]

What's the point of nawaz in this team? he has mediocre batting, ifti can bowl off spin instead as well, bring in an extra batter

It's pretty obvious Babar doesn't trust him with the ball. God i wish we had Imad in this WC....

But anyway yes i am agreeing with you. Unfortunately the current management doesn't run on a great deal of logic and Babar is very stubborn. Let's see what happens.

I can live with Nawaz playing, however i will be absolutely furious if Babar opens the batting again.

 

[W63L35]

Opening pair of both team in this World Cup by S/R

 

[Kianig89]

Bracewell might play for Sodhi, we treated him like Murali, So a plan be devised for this. RizBar should be disjointed.

Rizwan
Haris
Babar
Shan
Iftikhar
Nawaz
Shadab
Waseem
SSA
Rauf
Naseem

 

[Jonty]

It doesn’t matter if the Rizwaan/Babar partnership has been working in the past. Pakistan needs to play according to the situation. They need to be more fluid in their approach.

You can’t gamble on a semi final to come right. Harris is working so bring him in to open. Babar is better off at 3 or 4.

Also, if we have a healthy score by the 12th over with just a couple down, iftikhaar should come in being the form batsman.

The question is, what is it going to take for Babar to listen to what basically the majority are saying? He needs to man up and come one down, to bring Harris to open.

 

[Snatch]

Pakistan should be favourites as they just match-up well against New Zealand, especially in Sydney where it may take turn.

NZ would have preferred facing South Africa and /or India in the semis/finals, as NZ match up well against those two sides, yet struggle against England and Pakistan.

At this stage I'm picking a repeat of the 1992 50 over final, as I think England will be too strong for India.

 

[adi_62941]

New Zealand are a much better side, they have played much better cricket and they deserve to play in the final.

Its never been about who deserve, its about who plays better on that day.

how cute you are.....

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Well first things first.

I always thought this team was terrible, and losing to Zimbabwe cemented my belief. Netherlands was always gonna be an easy game and South Africa were chokers against us, so I still felt if we win all 3, our World Cup was done.

But seems the Gods were with us. South Africa choked even harder in their last game and Pakistan deservedly went through.

Like a phoenix rising from the Ashes, an entire nation stood transfixed as we romped home against Bangladesh.

So many congratulations for that.

Despite a lot of people thinking that I despise the Pakistan team, I don't. I despise their old and outdated approach and the fact that they insist on scoring the same way.

Which brings me to the same problem we had 02 months ago.

Even a one eyed person can see, the middle order NEVER was the problem. These two batsmen hogging 60 balls of the innings to score their 50 runs was.

Are we really going to let them open in the semi finals once again and put the entire team at a disadvantage?

Can we not say enough is enough and we need them to play at different positions in the team?

Why would Pakistan risk a semi final against NZ just because of the stubbornness of 2 players to open.

This must be decided tonight.

Not after the semi final as an after thought.

Looks like the average winning total here is about 165 - 170.
This is quite a big number of Pak batsmen to chase.

So our bowlers must restrict NZ at around 140 if NZ bats first.

And if Pak bats first, they must try to pass 150 to give our bowlers a chance to defend it.

All the best to Pak team!

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan depart for Sydney to take part in the 1st Semi-Final against New Zealand - Go Pakistan!

 

[Energy]

Only change I can see is either Asif or Haider come in for Nawaz. And chacha to be entrusted to bowl some holding spin with Shadab.

Only issue is that both of them are clowns and if they don't click with the bat, they are not going to offer anything on the field or with the ball.

I'd still be tempted to play Nawaz as he has a better chance of matching Asif or Haider with the runs and if conditions suit, can be cunningly used with the ball.

 

[MenInG]

Shane Watson on the upcoming Semi-Final:

With surprises at almost every turn so far, Shane Watson is intrigued by the uncertainty that comes with the two ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-finals in Australia.

From Namibia's win over Sri Lanka on matchday one, to Pakistan's miraculous comeback in a late semi-final push, form guides have been thrown out the window, with little to split the four remaining teams.

New Zealand take on Pakistan in Sydney on Wednesday, while India meet England at Adelaide Oval on Thursday. The winners will then meet on Sunday at the MCG, likely in front of a capacity crowd.

Before looking over the form of the four remaining teams, Watson applauded the standard of cricket thus far at the event, doffing the cap to the competition's underdogs, who played their parts in providing tournament entertainment.

"The upsets - the lower-ranked nations upsetting the big teams - that was something no-one really expected," Watson said.

“It’s meant that everyone's eyes are on every game. You can’t just think it's going to be a game that's easily won so it's been a really cool T20 World Cup to be a part of.”

For Pakistan fans, the T20 World Cup has been quite the rollercoaster. Falling in final-ball heartbreakers to both India and Zimbabwe, their side rallied to beat the Netherlands and South Africa, before a nervous wait on other results on the final day of Super 12 action.

The Dutch gave Pakistan a lifeline by beating South Africa, before Babar Azam's men seized on an unlikely opportunity to progress, brushing aside Bangladesh.

Having snuck into the final four, Pakistan almost have nothing to lose in the eye of the legendary Australian all-rounder, imploring the team to express themselves in their late tournament push.

“There are certain times in all tournaments where a team just falls across the line, somehow finds their way into the finals, and then goes on to win it, especially when they weren't expecting to make the semis because of the way they played at certain times throughout this tournament," Watson said.

"The freedom that they're going to have because they're weren't expecting much in the middle of the tournament, the freedom they're going to have is going to be very dangerous for the Kiwis."

In the way of Pakistan stand New Zealand, who overshadowed Australia in the opening Super 12 match of the tournament to put the host's title defence in a spin.

Opener Finn Allen, who stunned Australia with an up-front blitz at the SCG, is Watson's key Kiwi.

“Finn Allen has been an absolute stand-out for them," Watson noted.

"What he's been able to do in the Powerplay, taking on the best bowlers in the world, has really given New Zealand an edge to be able to play as well as they have.

“They’ve got world class players around their team, but Finn Allen has really just been that X-factor that's really helped them. It'll be interesting to see his match up against the quality Pakistan quicks here in Sydney."

https://www.t20worldcup.com/news/2897233

 

[bones]

Only change I can see is either Asif or Haider come in for Nawaz. And chacha to be entrusted to bowl some holding spin with Shadab.

Only issue is that both of them are clowns and if they don't click with the bat, they are not going to offer anything on the field or with the ball.

I'd still be tempted to play Nawaz as he has a better chance of matching Asif or Haider with the runs and if conditions suit, can be cunningly used with the ball.

They don't offer enough with the bat together let alone individually to merit a spot in the side ahead of nawaz. Nawaz in the last few months has contributed multiple times towards wins with the bat and ball.

 

[MenInG]

SYDNEY: Captain Kane Williamson is banking on experience to power New Zealand into a second successive Twenty20 World Cup final as they chase glory at last.

The Black Caps, who face Pakistan in the semi-finals at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, have long been a force in white-ball cricket.

But they have failed to turn that into world titles despite coming agonisingly close in recent years, including falling at the final hurdle to Australia last year.

It was their best showing in a T20 World Cup and followed hard on the heels of final defeats in the 50-over World Cup in both 2015 and 2019.

Williamson is confident the silverware drought can end this year with Babar Azam’s unpredictable Pakistan their next challenge.

“The team’s played some good cricket. As long as the team keeps looking to improve and build on some of these performances, hopefully we see ourselves in the next phase,” he said.

New Zealand started their campaign with a massive 89-run win against defending champions Australia and followed it up with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, with a washed-out game against Afghanistan in between.

They crashed by 20 runs to England before hammering Ireland to book their last-four berth and top Group 1.

Williamson has long banked on experienced strike bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult, and the spin of Mitchell Santner, to get them over the line.

Glenn Phillips’ brutal strength has been crucial to New Zealand’s batting.

“Teams – you need a bat, you need a ball and the guys have been operating well adjusting to the surfaces really well, which I think is always very important in tournament cricket,” said the skipper.

New Zealand won’t underestimate Pakistan, says Southee

“They’ve been outstanding… that’s the experience that’s in the camp.

“Every team you come up against has different strengths and you play at different grounds, and you’re having to really think on your feet and adjust your plans.

“But they’ve all done it for a long time.”

The Sydney wicket has been favourable to batsmen so far and with fine weather forecast for Wednesday it should prove to be so again.

Pakistan pride

Last-ball losses to India and Zimbabwe seemed to have ended Pakistan’s tournament before it got going.

But Azam’s men bounced back to topple the Netherlands and South Africa. Then against the odds they went through when the Proteas were stunned by the Dutch and Pakistan eased past Bangladesh.

It put the 2009 champions unexpectedly into the last four for a second straight tournament.

“Losing two games was not easy, but after that I think the team has responded well in doing whatever they can control,” said Shan Masood, the standout performer among some fragile batting.

Spinner Shadab Khan (10 wickets) and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi (8) have also been vital to Pakistan’s resurgence.

“Just playing for your country, putting that shirt on, I think for every individual in this camp, it means a lot,” said Masood.

“You play for pride, you play for yourself, you play for your country. We don’t need to look at other things.

“We just need to look at ourselves. We need to produce our best performances and we’re going to try and make up for whatever we didn’t achieve before.”

AFP

 

[MenInG]

The first semi-final between New Zealand and Pakistan will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Wednesday, 9 November, while the second semi-final between India and England will be played on Thursday, 10 November at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

The match official appointments are as follows:

9 November – New Zealand v Pakistan (19h00 AEDT), Sydney Cricket Ground - Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth (on-field), Richard Kettleborough (third umpire), Michael Gough (fourth umpire) and Chris Broad (match referee).

ICC

 

[adi_62941]

From now on, Pakistan will be a different team because they needed tempo and they got it by beating SAF and Bangla in easy wins. NZ never performed well against Pak in knockouts expect in that Semifinal match in 2009 CT.
I expect Pakistan to go with same lineup and bat first and post 160+ and you will how NZ batters will crumble

 

[Snatch]

I'm surprised to see New Zealand are favourites with the bookmakers atm.

 

[Jazx]

New Zealand are a much better side, they have played much better cricket and they deserve to play in the final.

Definitely they are better side but as pak have dominated them in world cup knockouts on so many instances, they have an upper hand.

 

[Jazx]

Haider over Shan after Shan just played a good knock vs Bangladesh and got us over the line?

Rana ko ek baar jo player napansand ho gaya to ho gaya

 

[-Imran-]

likely against NZ on Wednesday at the SCG

Nawaz needs to go, we didnt even bowl him today so why is he here
cant bat either
cost us 2 games

Asif ali can come in and hit a six or two and hes already done more

and babar just needs to be dropped he cant do anything

You are deluded if you think they will drop Nawaz. They didn't bowl him because Bangladesh had many left handers to Ifti bowled instead. They will want him as an option to the right handers.

 

[Titan24]

Pakistan played against Nz pretty well in the Tri series just before the WT20 so I believe they will know how to approach the game. At the end obviously the team which performs better on the day will make it to the final.

If Babar can make himself come one down in this match and make Haris open to utilize the PP then it can very well be the master stroke. However, highly doubt any such thing will happen considering how rigid Babar and team management in this regard has been.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Nawaz is very critical in this side. I can see Shadab and Nawaz having a telling difference in the middle overs against Kiwi batters. Given NZ does not have many left handed batsmen I would ideally bowl Nawaz more overs against Kiwi hence its important Nawaz plays this game.

 

[SaadAliG]

Haris
Rizwan
Babar
Shadab
Chacha
Asif Ali
Nawaz
Waseem
Rauf
Shaheen
Naseem

Bat first and we win comfortably. Bowl first and it's 50/50.

 

[TheSultan]

Shan is one heck of an opportunist

He knew Pakistan were getting those runs whether he failed or contributed, so he made sure that he cashes in on a spot in the playing XI for the semi final by scoring something

Realistically, he needs to be dropped in place of Haider who deserve another chance to take down Sodhi or whatever Kiwi spinner they serve up

We all know this management. Shan is going nowhere.

But one thing I will point out - on current form, Shan makes it ahead of both Babar and Rizwan as resident anchor.

The strong and ruthless thing to do would be to drop Rizwan, give Haris the gloves and the opening slot and keep pick Haider. Or drop Babar for Haider (but they'll never do that).

There is no way we, or any team for that matter should have 3 anchors in a T20, but that's the thinking of this management.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

i expect Babar to come good this match, there is no logic behind this, just a feeling.

Id be far more pessimistic if we were playing England.

Regardless, Pakistan doesnt really deserve to be here, so im gonna try to enjoy the ride (no doubt my heart rate will still go through the roof)

 

[Rana]

Rana ko ek baar jo player napansand ho gaya to ho gaya

In T20 yes

I very quickly write off players for their roles and positions

 

[Rana]

Haider over Shan after Shan just played a good knock vs Bangladesh and got us over the line?

Yes. I’m not stupid, I’m not going to be fooled by Shan’s opportunistic runs against Ebadot and floaty Shakib. Him and Rizwan are a massive pro for NZ bowling who would happily let them two occupy the crease

 

[jnaveen1980]

Yes. I’m not stupid, I’m not going to be fooled by Shan’s opportunistic runs against Ebadot and floaty Shakib. Him and Rizwan are a massive pro for NZ bowling who would happily let them two occupy the crease

Masood was extremely lucky against India. Dropped catches, ball hitting the spycam, run out missed from very clsoe to stumps, Stil he didn't really do major damage. It was Ifthikar, SSA, Nawaz that did the damage. Players like him are usually responsible for triggering a collapse at the other end.

 

[AAli98]

Nz openers are hopeless against legspin I’d open the balling with Shadab.

 

[mon858]

This is the real test of ego for management. Will they persist with Riz-Bab opening to world record slow opening stand for the final stage or not?

Even past managements have eaten up ego and dropped players midway, changed opening (e.g. sarfraz opening in 2015 world cup, etc.).

The MUST MUST make at least 1 change in opener, but ideally 2 changes.

My recommendation:

Shan (left/right, and is proper opener, better at strike rotation/handling opening bowling over Rizwan, etc.)
Haris (nothing to be said, attacking, to take advantage of power play, not to come once field spread and more risk of losing wicket due to that)

Babar (is captain, probably 3 is best slot for him. but if we dont lose wicket for a while, i may be tempted to send another attacking player like Haider or Nawaz for rightie/leftie)

Haider/Nawaz (depending on rightie/leftie at crease)
Iftikhar (reliable finisher, great form)
Shadab
Wasim
Shaheen
Haris
Nasim

Next best alternative since they wont have guts to drop Rizwan:
Shan
Haris
Babar
Nawaz
Iftikhar
Shadab
Wasim
Rizwan
Shaheen
Haris
Nasim

Most like what our management will do:
Babar
Rizwan
Haris
Shan (at 4 or they will hide him behind others, if few overs left, they will promote Nawaz, Ifti,Shadab, which is waste of playing him as he is a natural opener and if you need to hide, then might as well play Haider or Asif for the one match wonder type of performance that could win you a knock out that you will never get from Shan especially not late in innings)
Nawaz
Iftikhar
Shadab
Wasim
Rizwan
Shaheen
Haris
Nasim

 

[Kianig89]

How about dropping Rizwan and playing Asif Ali I know it's a sin considering Saqi and Moyo at the helm of affairs but Haris needs to bat in PowerPlay to get full use of it and that is open the innings.
Also don't forget NZ pacers are no slouch either, Southee and Co. Like route vehicles well drilled and in full steam

Haris
Rizwan
Babar
Shan
Iftikhar
Nawaz
Shadab
Wsseem
Rauf
Sha
Nsaeem

 

[Kianig89]

Nz openers are hopeless against legspin I’d open the balling with Shadab.

And what about our inept display against Muttiah Bracewell :dev

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Haris
Rizwan
Babar
Shadab
Chacha
Asif Ali
Nawaz
Waseem
Rauf
Shaheen
Naseem

Bat first and we win comfortably. Bowl first and it's 50/50.

This is a better playing squad.
No Shan Masood - otherwise, we will be playing with 10 batters. He is either a walking wicket or will waste A LOT of balls against this NZ bowling attack.

The only question is, to take Asif Ali or Haider Ali? And I am leaning more towards Haider.

 

[Rana]

This is a better playing squad.
No Shan Masood - otherwise, we will be playing with 10 batters. He is either a walking wicket or will waste A LOT of balls against this NZ bowling attack.

The only question is, to take Asif Ali or Haider Ali? And I am leaning more towards Haider.

If it were up to me

Shan, Babar, Rizwan out. Khushdil, Asif and Haider in.

It’s not up to me, so to answer your small question, I would pick Haider Ali. He is a match up for the Kiwi spinners

 

[Syed1]

It'll be a walk in the park for us

 

[Syed1]

It’s not up to me

We all thank God for that

 

[Energy]

Both Babar and Rizwan will shine with the bat on Wed. Need to back them.

The same XI should play and the same XI will bring the cup home.

 

[MenInG]

Very menacing....

 

[IMMY69]

Babar is one cover drive away from finding his form.
Rizwan has been top class for two years.

Rizwan has to open the innings but there is a case for Shan to partner him with Babar dropping down a couple of places.

However, both Rizwan and Babar are our best two batsmen and it's laughable to consider dropping either of them for those that are available in the squad.

 

[DHONI183]

Much to look forward to in the tournament thanks to South Africa´s epic choke . An India-Pakistan Final stays alive as a possibility, and this is indeed the best outcome of the events that transpired on Sunday - for the game game, for the cricket fans around the world. However, I´ve a fear - and this is a fear, not a prediction - that one of these teams might miss out and the other might make it through.

Pakistan´s Semi-Final will be in Sydney, and it´s the pitch which of all the pitches suits Asian teams the most. The slow-ish nature of the should suit Pakistan batsmen, but what that also means is that both Babar and Rizwan might end up costing Pakistan even more because they both enjoy the ball coming onto the bat, and this might just not be that kind of surface. However, on the other hand, utilising the powerplay against the pace bowlers becomes even more vital in such conditions. Both the openers absolutely must get their act together soon instead of wasting overs. Their opponent team is the one which Pakistan would willingly take any day of the week in a semi-final. Whereas New Zealand have provided India much ahead right from the Champions Trophy 2000 to as recently as the last year´s edition of this tournament, they´ve mostly just been a punching bag for Pakistan in the past. However, this is T20 cricket after all, and this New Zealand looks far more professional and clinical than the current Pakistan side. The likes of Boult will test Pakistan batsmen.

My prediction is that the team to bat first will secure this encounter.

 

[shamaan]

What's the point of nawaz in this team? he has mediocre batting, ifti can bowl off spin instead as well, bring in an extra batter

I believe the pitch will suit the Spinners.

 

[shamaan]

It's pretty obvious Babar doesn't trust him with the ball. God i wish we had Imad in this WC....

But anyway yes i am agreeing with you. Unfortunately the current management doesn't run on a great deal of logic and Babar is very stubborn. Let's see what happens.

I can live with Nawaz playing, however i will be absolutely furious if Babar opens the batting again.

Don't think it's about trust it's about how the pitch has played and how our fast bowlers have bowled.

 

[shamaan]

Babar will come good in the Semi Final.

 

[hitthestump]

Don't think it's about trust it's about how the pitch has played and how our fast bowlers have bowled.

Not sure. Shadab has been good and nobody has yet managed to get hold of Chacha when he chips in.

I think Nawaz is a decent bowler but he hasn't been given a chance by Babar since his one bad over against India. Babar would have sucked the confidence out of him since then.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

4 overs of pace

Then throw on our chacha, shaddy bhai and nawaz.

They will make keema out of the kiwis.

 

[gazza619]

Haider , seriously ? I was not expecting this from you .

Lol @ expectations. Just to give you some perspective [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] has also proposed Asif Ali to be the captain.

 

[Rana]

Lol @ expectations. Just to give you some perspective [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] has also proposed Asif Ali to be the captain.

Damn right I did

InshaAllah he will be captain

 

[MenInG]

Speaking on YouTube, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq made a bold prediction for Pakistan ahead of the semifinal fixture vs New Zealand, which is scheduled for Wednesday. "Pakistan's performance in the semifinals and final will be better than the Super 12 Stage round", he said.

"This time in Australia, Pakistan climbed from bottom to top. Even during the 1992 World Cup, Pakistan did the same and climbed from bottom to top", he further added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...-prediction-for-pakistan-101667804154500.html

 

[daytrader]

NZ won’t underestimate Pakistan’s ‘massive threat’, says Southee

SYDNEY: Bowler Tim Southee said New Zealand will not underestimate Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals despite the South Asian side’s struggles to make it through the group phase.

Pakistan looked set to exit the competition until the Netherlands pulled off a surprise 13-run win over South Africa on Sunday that meant victory over Bangladesh later in the day took Babar Azam and his team into the knockout rounds.

“When you get to the top four every side has a chance,” said Southee. “We’ve played a lot against Pakistan in recent times and we know they’re a dangerous side.

“Credit to them, they probably turned up thinking they didn’t have much of a chance but they put on another good performance and they’ll be a massive threat come the semi-final.”

A win over Pakistan in Sydney would take New Zealand to a final against either England or India in Melbourne but Southee said the Black Caps, who lost to Australia in last year’s final, were taking it one game at a time.

“There’s still a lot of cricket to be played until we get to that stage,” he said. “Pakistan are a quality side and we’re going to have to be on the top of our game to get past them on Wednesday.

“Semi-final cricket is exciting, it’s what you turn up for, to be here in these last couple of games. Hopefully we can continue the way that we’ve been playing and have another good performance in the semi.

“One of the consistencies of the side is the way we approach things is pretty much the same, no matter what game it is. That’s something to come back to and that’s something we’re very good at.”

‘GOOD REACTIVE TEAM’

Making it to the semi-finals despite final-ball losses against India and Zimbabwe in their opening two fixtures was nothing less than a miracle for Pakistan.

According to Pakistan’s team mentor Matthew Hayden, it was due to the squad’s “commitment and belief” that luck favoured them through Netherland’s upset over South Africa.

“We have got the energy there, we’ve got the commitment and belief to each other, then the magic just unfolds… and today was a magic day,” the Australian side while addressing the Pakistan players in the dressing room following their win against Bangladesh.

The left-hander, who won the 50-over World Cup twice with Australia, believed how Pakistan responded to a difficult start was what made them a special team.

“I think in T20 cricket, it’s one of those games that you can overplay, overtrain for and overthink,” said the former opener.

“And when I look at this side and I have seen this for a while now, I think we are such a good reactive team.”

In what was an inspiring locker room speech, Hayden was confident Pakistan will be a feared side going into the semis and noted that they give their best when the odds are stacked up against them.

“Boys, we are dangerous, just understand and appreciate that,,” Hayden said.

“The moment Pakistan cricket fires off with intent and starts to reveal its teeth, we become a real threat. There will be no one in this world and this competition that would want to face us right now. not one.

“They thought they got rid of us, but now they are not going to get rid of us.

“Boys moving into the next couple of days, clear your minds. Be free and be fresh for whichever game we play and just unleash again with just good, positive intent.”

Pakistan captain Babar Azam also praised the team’s belief after their place in the semi-final were confirmed. He was appreciative of how Pakistan finished their Super 12 campaign clinically.

“We had belief in ourselves and [the Netherland’s win] gave us hope,” he said while talking to his players.

“There was excitement, definitely, but we didn’t let it lose our focus. “We’ve to give our 100 per cent effort and like we did in the last two matches, we’ve to play as a team.”

DAWN

 

[bones]

Why all of a sudden are so many asking got haider to return? That guy has failed in pretty much every one of his innings in the last 2 months so if anything he should kicked out permanently and someone else, a new fresh face should be given chances.

Even in this world cup I wouldnt trust haider, khushdil or asif with a job to score 15 off 30 to win such has their confidence been blown.

 

[emranabbas]

This is a better playing squad.
No Shan Masood - otherwise, we will be playing with 10 batters. He is either a walking wicket or will waste A LOT of balls against this NZ bowling attack.

The only question is, to take Asif Ali or Haider Ali? And I am leaning more towards Haider.

Shan is our top scorer this worldcup with an average of 45 only opener who is player who is playing bounce with ease and you want him out
What has haider or asif Ali done? This isn't a slow wicket of dubai or pakistan

 

[indianpanacea]

Let us think something out of box
1 Rizwan
2 M.Nawaz
3 Haris
4 Babar
5 Iftikhar
6 shahdab
7 khushdil

 

[MenInG]

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson played down any significance in his team making 200-3 on the Sydney wicket, noting that they only managed 167-7 against Sri Lanka when they returned to the ground later in the tournament.

"The first game we played here the wicket was a very good one and then the second time it had changed," he said.

"We'll just be looking to focus on our cricket really and the plans that we are looking to execute and make sure we adjust to the conditions and try and play smart."

New Zealand followed up that first Sydney win with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, with a washed-out game against Afghanistan in between. They lost by 20 runs to England before hammering Ireland to secure a semi-final place.

Williamson said the results counted for little when it came to the knockouts.

"Finals sport can go any way," he said. "Both teams match up pretty well, there's some similar trends, we've both been playing some good cricket.

"They've got an outstanding pace attack," he added. "Some really experienced players throughout their side, match winners, so real strength in their team."

 

[hamzie]

will be there at the game tomorrow
its not a sell out
but itll be very packed

 

[Rana]

Sydney needs a complete Green storm takeover

99% Pakistan crowd InshaAllah

 

[MenInG]

Australia great Ricky Ponting has declared speedster Shaheen Afridi as the player that must fire if Pakistan are to claim a second ICC Men's T20 World Cup title in Australia.

Afridi produced his best performance of the tournament so far when he bowled with supreme pace and collected superb figures of 4/22 against Bangladesh on Sunday and that spell helped Pakistan earn the final spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Pakistan have a meeting against an in-form New Zealand awaiting them at the SCG on Wednesday and Ponting said Afridi is the key player in that contest.

"He might say that he's not back to 100 percent just yet, but from what I've seen it looks like he's going along beautifully and he now holds the key for Pakistan progressing in the tournament," Ponting said.

Afridi hurt his right knee while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in July and the 22-year-old admitted his recovery was slow as he could barely walk following the injury.

There may have been some doubts raised about Afrdi's swift return when he went wicketless during Pakistan's opening two games of the tournament against India and Zimbabwe, but Ponting always had faith the left-armer would come good.

"(I never had any doubt) as you just know what he's capable of when he's out there on the field,” Ponting said.

"And as I said, even if he's not at 100 percent, if he's operating at 90 percent, he's still going to have more of an impact on games than most because of how good he is.

"So look, he might have had a few worries in the back of his own mind and the Pakistan hierarchy and coaching group might have had a few worries in their mind, but not anymore.

"He's got through really well so far and hopefully for them two more games to go.”

Ponting compared Afridi's return to form to the way India superstar Virat Kohli had sprung to life in Australia and indicated sometimes you just need to put your faith in the champion players to produce on the big stage.

"It's almost a bit like the India scenario with Virat (Kohli) coming into this tournament," Ponting noted.

"Sometimes you just have to stick with them and pick them and let them go because champion players will find a way to get the job done.

"And as the tournament's gone on he (Afridi) has got better and better and hopefully the best is still to come."

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Why would anybody want Haider Ali over Shan? Shan is a must . He's a left hander who can take down Mitchell Santner and is strong off the backfoot so should be able to play Lockie as well. He gives you a lot of coverage against different types of bowling. He should be the real anchor of the side

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

NZ are going to go at Pakistan with short pitch bowling.

That's the only area that worries me. They are not equipped technically.

Their best chance is to play proper cricket and not take the bouncers on.

 

[shaz619]

Unlikely, but Harris opening would really throw NZ off in a big game. If they want to be more conservative, they could at least consider a right/left opening combo.

Anyway, it’s a big KO game and hopefully Babar/Ris play with a fresh mind and at least one of them finds form again

 

[shaz619]

Why would anybody want Haider Ali over Shan? Shan is a must . He's a left hander who can take down Mitchell Santner and is strong off the backfoot so should be able to play Lockie as well. He gives you a lot of coverage against different types of bowling. He should be the real anchor of the side

Asking for Haider Ali in this situation is like pushing Funaki to the main event. Besides, he’d be too cold, if he was in XI it would be a different story.

 

[Rana]

NZ are going to go at Pakistan with short pitch bowling.

That's the only area that worries me. They are not equipped technically.

Their best chance is to play proper cricket and not take the bouncers on.

Relax

Dont overthink it. Harris sent Rabada's short stuff into tier 10 in Sydney. The boys will be confident they can do to too.

 

[Rana]

Unlikely, but Harris opening would really throw NZ off in a big game. If they want to be more conservative, they could at least consider a right/left opening combo.

Anyway, it’s a big KO game and hopefully Babar/Ris play with a fresh mind and at least one of them finds form again

The one world class bowler who I have seen Babar play well is Boult. I think he should take strike from over 1 and just set the tone by creaming him through the covers or straight down the ground with his drives

 

[Rana]

Let us think something out of box
1 Rizwan
2 M.Nawaz
3 Haris
4 Babar
5 Iftikhar
6 shahdab
7 khushdil

Why is Rizwan still an opener in everyones 'thinking out of the box' tactics? The opposition dont really need to think out of the box when bowling outside off stump to him regardless.